Acker Merrall & Condit names John Kapon Chief Executive Officer
Wine Industry Visionary to Drive Company’s Diversification and Growth
NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Acker Merrall & Condit, the largest wine auction house in the world and America’s oldest fine wine merchant, today announced that John Kapon has been appointed Chief Executive Officer.
Mr. Kapon, 39, has served as Acker Merrall & Condit’s Auction Director since 1998, leading the Company’s transformation from a single, New York City storefront to the largest wine auction company in the world, with total 2010 revenues in excess of $110 million. Mr. Kapon, the third generation of his family to lead Acker Merrall, joined the company in 1994, bringing a uniquely personal approach to an industry often viewed as stuffy and aloof. In the ensuing years, under Mr. Kapon’s direction, the Company has gained the trust and confidence of a loyal, ever-growing community of fine and rare wine collectors, many among the most prominent in the world, providing them with an intimate and innovative wine experience.
In his new role, Mr. Kapon succeeds his father, Michael Kapon, who will stay on as an Executive Consultant.
“My son’s vision, ingenuity, and ceaseless energy have been invaluable to the growth and success of Acker Merrall,” said Michael Kapon. “John has spearheaded our current auction operations and elevated our profile in the world of fine and rare wine, and I am confident he will lead the Company to new heights in the years ahead.”
“Building on both the heritage and the foundation granted me by my father and grandfather, I am proud to continue my family’s tradition, built on the pillars of service and quality. I am enormously grateful to them for their foresight and their sacrifice, which have helped Acker Merrall emerge as the world’s premier, trusted source of fine wines.” said John Kapon. “It is a privilege to represent the world’s finest collections on a regular basis, but with privilege comes responsibility.”
“Now more than ever, with deep expertise, an obsession for customer service, and a wholly differentiated approach, Acker Merrall is focused on extending our global reach and providing our clients with yet more ways to gain both pleasure and profit from the world’s greatest wines. It has been a long road to get to this point, but I feel strongly this is only the beginning. The glass is half-full, and I’m still thirsty.”
About Acker Merrall & Condit
Founded in 1820, Acker Merrall & Condit is America’s oldest fine wine merchant and the world’s largest fine and rare wine auction house. With affiliates in New York and Hong Kong, Acker Merrall hosts over two dozen live and internet auctions annually, and conducts retail operations from its historic headquarters on New York’s West Side as well as in Asia. Acker is devoted to helping customers buy, sell, and experience the world’s foremost wines.